Urban Views Weekly April 5, 2017

Page 1

Apr. 5, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Jonae Crump

Richmond native Shaniqua Washington, owner of Mahogany Massage

Adding massage therapy to your health regimen can be life-changing

Get updates throughout the week


Virginia Association of of Parliamentarians (VSAP) (Meetings that Matter!)

The Virginia Association of Parliamentarians is a unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians, designed to provide information to all organizations to assist in conducting and managing meetings to accomplish desired goals. April is Parliamentary Month and the organization invites the community to join one of its units throughout Virginia. They include: Unit or Club

President

Contact

Chesapeake, VA, Unit

President Martha Rollins

mgr757@aol.com

Charlottesville, VA • Silver Gavel, Unit

President Janice Doyle

Bdoyle7@al.com

Fredericksburg, VA • Fredericksburg Unit

President Lynda Baer, PRP

LyndaBaerPRO@gmail.com

Northern Virginia Units • Catherine Whitman Unit • Grace Welborn Unit • NOVAMAGS Unit

President Muriel Laliberte President Joyce Eagles President Beatrice Squire

Muriel256@aol.com Jeagles2@msn.com Knight757@msn.com

Newport News • VA Peninsula Unit

President Yulanda Humphreys

RYJJRHUM@aol.com

Richmond, VA • M. Stanley Ryan Unit President Marian Martin, PRP • Parliamentary Club President Margie Booker, PRP • Virginia Lewis Dalton and Eloise Engledove Richmond Unit (VDEER) Dr. Cora Salzberg, PRP Roanoke • Roanoke Valley Unit

President Gloria Manns

Marianjmartin@aol.com mrasbooker@al.com linkcora@comcast.net g.manns@cox.net

Expand your network and Grow your business.

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

What is your fiduciary responsibility? And what does fiduciary mean, anyway? We recently had the opportunity to work with an organization that is ready to increase its impact. Current board members had recruited and approved new board members; there was work to be done and people to do it. Our role was to help orient all members to their roles and responsibilities.

obligation to act in the best interest of another. At its core, there is the expectation of trust. It is imperative for board members to place the interests of the nonprofit before their own, and to not seek personal benefit from board service.

“It is the legal and moral obligation to act in the best interest of another.”

Board members must know and understand the activities and financial condition of the organization. You cannot be fair to your nonprofit if you do not know what is going on. The following is a high-level summary of how individual board members fulfill their fiduciary duties:

We structured the workshop around content included in What Every Board Member Should Know: A Guidebook for Tennessee Nonprofits published by the Tennessee Attorney General, Tennessee Secretary of State, and Center for Nonprofit Management. The guidebook is free and available on line.

At the heart of all board responsibilities is “duty.” These include the duties of good faith, loyalty, and care. These are defined as a board member’s “fiduciary responsibilities.” The big question is this – what does fiduciary mean? It’s not a term people use every day. But it is at the core of nonprofit governance. It is the legal and moral

Letter To The Editor

• Attend board and committee meetings. • Carefully read all material you receive, ask questions, and be active in board discussions. • Use your own judgment in voting. • Participate in strategic

continues to page 11

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@ urbanviewsweekly.com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

Join Today! 2

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

www.CVAACC.org

VOL. 10, ISSUE 14 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534 Cover photo: Janna M. Hall

Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw, Advertising shelia@urbanviewsweekly.com Nickkol Lewis, Art Director Visual Appeal, LLC | visualappealstudio.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com


Health News

sponsored by VCU Health

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Since 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. has recognized the month of April as Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and understanding, and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. This month is dedicated to educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism, particularly among our youth, and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives. Alcohol and drug use by young people is extremely dangerous – both to themselves and to society – and is directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problem behaviors, even for those who may never develop a dependence or addiction. F. Gerard Moeller, M.D. is the director of the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a professor of psychiatry, pharmacology and toxicology, and neurology at VCU School of Medicine. Dr. Moeller says, “there are many detrimental effects of alcohol on the body. They can arise from drinking too much on a single occasion (binge drinking) or drinking too much over time (heavy or risky alcohol use and alcoholism).” Alcohol is associated with heart problems including high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and stroke. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver and heavy drinking can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. People who drink too much have higher rates of certain cancers, including mouth, esophagus, throat, liver and breast cancers. Drinking also affects the

J. Chevonte’ Alexander

a household where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol. Facts About Alcohol*: • 88,000 deaths are annually attributed to excessive alcohol use • Alcoholism is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation • Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 2.5 million years of potential life lost annually, or an average of about 30 years of potential life lost for each death brain –leading to changes in mood, cognition, and in extreme cases, coordination and memory. Drinking also suppresses the immune system and makes people at increased risk of infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Finally, alcohol is a teratogen, which is a substance that causes birth defects. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability in the United States. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can also affect all aspects of a person’s day-to-day life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, can damage emotional stability, finances, career, and impact one’s family, friends and community. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States: 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence along with several million more who engage in risky, binge drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and more than 7 million children live in

• Up to 40% of all hospital beds in the United States (except for those being used by maternity and intensive care patients) are being used to treat health conditions that are related to alcohol consumption We can use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and take action to prevent it, both at home and in the community. Here are just a few ideas: • Encourage friends or family members to make small changes, like keeping track of their drinking and setting drinking limits. • Share tips with parents to help them talk with their kids about the risks of alcohol use. • Ask doctors and nurses to talk to their patients about the benefits of drinking less or quitting. If you are drinking too much, you can

continues to page 8

You would seek treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure. Why not alcoholism? Alcoholism is a disease, not a character flaw. In fact, it’s a chronic medical condition that affects more than 17 million people in the U.S. With the right treatment, recovery from alcoholism is possible. Learn more at ncadd.org

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

3


ViewPoints

By Dr. T

When April comes it’s time to… Shake things up! Spring has arrived! Things are budding and blossoming all over the place. Winter has gone into retreat with its cold days and dry dead landscapes. The sun has begun to shine a little more brightly and the birds are chirping a little more loudly. It feels like no matter what is going on around us or what we might be dealing with on a personal or communal level, when springtime comes we can see new life all around us, new possibilities and new hope for change. It’s the natural order of things in the cycle of life. We begin to put our winter coats, blankets and heavy clothing away, and open our windows to take in the fresh clean crisp spring air. Everything breathes again in the spring. It’s refreshing but it only lasts a moment and then it’s gone and we are back to the realities of life, the struggles of the day and the same old arguments we have been having all winter long. We need to take this opportunity, no matter how fleeting the moment, to breathe in some fresh air, to hope for something different than what we’ve always had, to make a change (no matter how small) in the things we’ve always done that keep us bound up in thinking “we’ve got what we’ve got and that’s just the way it is!”

what others do.” No. We need not wait to see what others do; we need to take responsibility for ourselves to make a change in some way, somewhere. Spring is the time for transformation of all kinds in nature and what we do in this moment when the winds of change are blowing like the pollen in the air, just might make all the difference in the world. We could seize the moment, this moment, to plant some seeds of change in order to transform the time we have ahead of us into something different than what we have left behind us. There are possibilities we perhaps have not considered. There are situations, relationships and conditions that need to be re-envisioned, configured or intentioned differently than ever before, and this moment may be just the time to make that happen.

“Spring is the time for transformation...and what we do in this moment”

If we are reflected in nature, and nature consistently and with seasonal regularity, transforms herself, there is no reason that we cannot do the same. There is a season for everything under heaven. Christians are about to celebrate the Resurrection. Jews are about to celebrate The Passover. Both are in honor of immensely transformative events in their respective legacies. The promise that comes with Mahatma Gandhi once said, “We but mirror the world. All every new springtime season should not be underestimated the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found or taken for granted. We have come through a long and in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tumultuous fall and winter season. We need to breathe tendencies in the world would also change. As a man in the refreshing and cleansing air of spring. We need to changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world take the opportunity that this blossoming and rebirthing change towards him. time of year affords This is the divine us and look again Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. mystery supreme. A with the eyes of the Founder and Artistic Director wonderful thing it new spring, open up The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor is and the source of the windows, clear Virginia Commonwealth University our happiness. We out the cobwebs and DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org need not wait to see breathe again. Visit us! Check out our website for the latest Articles and Information.

4

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

Follow us!

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

T

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

We work with credit issues! “Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220 Spiritual Music is our Specialty

Barky’s Spiritual Stores 18 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Do All The Good You Can... For All The People You Can... CDs, DVDs, Clergy Shirts, Sheet Music, Hymnals, Etc.

804-643-1987 | barkysorders@yahoo.com

H

H

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

H

CALL 271-1220

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com


You are a miracle. Your heart. Your mind. Your soul. Each part, perfectly,

UNIQUELY …

you

.

Miracles of science. Miracles of skill. And of compassion. Some are easy to explain. Some will never be. But, where hearts and minds are open — and where mission and passion are united — miracles can happen. Miracles like

you

.

bonsecours.com/richmond St. Mary’s | Memorial Regional | Richmond Community | St. Francis | Watkins Centre Rappahannock General | Bon Secours Medical Group

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Former NAACP Branch Manager Rachel DolezaL, who was born White, but identifies as Black has written a memoir. Dolezal’s memoir entitled In Full Color: Finding My Place in a Black and White World revealed that she identified as Black at a young age. During an interview, Dolezal seems to like the term transblack explaining that there is a black side and white side. Calling herself Black feels more accurate.

What’s your take on being Trans-Black? Can you be Black without actually being biologically Black? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

H E N R I C O

RESTAURANT WEEK April 1-9

presented by title sponsor

FIXED-PRICE MENUS

• 2-course lunch $10/$15 • 3-course dinner $20/$25/$30

EAT FOR A CAUSE!

$1 from each lunch and $2 from each dinner will be donated to the Coal Pit Learning Center

See the Fun - Share the Fun!

#MyRVAHappenings www.MyRVAHappenings.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Facebook.com/ HenricoRestaurantWeek

View participating restaurants online at

HenricoRestaurantWeek.com Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

5


Prioritizing Emotional a Massage Therapy is th As the seasons change, we anticipate newness all around. When spring arrives after a long winter, we look forward to flowers blooming and the leaves returning to their rightful place on the trees. As summer makes its transition into fall, we take notice of the single leaf that floats down and lands on our windshield. Before long, the piles of leaves we’ve raked all Autumn long are coated with a fresh white blanket from the first snowfall. Every season is marked by what we can see, but very rarely do we pay attention to the seasonal changes we cannot see.

suffering from the disorder, the pattern is reversed and depression doesn’t return until spring and summer. As we welcome a new season and grow excited for warm days ahead, it’s imperative that we focus on selfcare. Attention must be paid not only to how the forecast will change, but also to how our hormones and emotions change, and we must be prepared to act fast should we find ourselves slipping into even the slightest state of mental instability.

Whether you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder or not, self-care is a practice necessary for our own mental Seasonal Affective Disorder and physical health. It comes Shaniqua Washington (SAD) affects nearly 20% in the form of blocking off of Americans each year, your lunch hour to escape into sparking a hormonal change that triggers depression and a good book or even taking early morning yoga classes to help anxiety. For some, it’s the idea that everything’s changing with meditation. Whatever the case, decide what you need to without our control that creates the imbalance. For others, it’s feel rejuvenated. the sadness that comes with bidding adieu to what may have been a wonderful season with pleasant memories and moving Richmond native Shaniqua Washington understood early on on to one full of uncertainty. Whatever the case, millions of the importance of self-care, and has learned through research Americans experience and schooling how emotional and mental essential physical setbacks that affect touch is to our mental how we interact and physical wellwith others, how we being. The owner of perform on our jobs, Mahogany Massage, and ultimately, how a massage parlor we enjoy this precious that operates out of thing called life. a physical therapy office in the Museum Contrary to popular District, Washington belief, SAD doesn’t uses the art of touch just occur as we move to bring about healing from summer to and peace of mind fall, or fall to winter. to everyone who Actually, for 1 in 10 walks through her 6

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

“...as a culture, we don’t “luxuries,” but we have and mental illnesses th door. There’s a real need for human contact—not just through stimulating conversation, but also actual physical touch—and she prides herself in providing both at Mahogany Massage. “When I first started school, I wanted to go into social work because I know that people need help,” Washington explains. “When I got to Fortis College here in Richmond and plans changed, I ended up studying massage therapy and learned about the need for human interaction. I knew then that my previous dreams of impacting people could still come about in another form.” While in school, Washington learned of studies conducted at orphanages to evaluate the effects of lack of human contact. She learned that the children who received no physical contact or no compassionate touches developed mental illnesses, while those who did were able to build healthy relationships with others. That study solidified what she knew all along: while social work is important, her dreams of touching lives didn’t


and Physical Health with he Ultimate Self-Care

By Janna M. Hall

t take the time for such e generational trauma hat must be addressed.” have to end there. Today, she prides herself on being a massage therapist who focuses on the complete human experience. She focuses on relationship building, taking much needed time to learn about her clients’ lives, history, and any special needs they have. “When you come in for a massage, you’re at your most vulnerable state,” she says. “You’re literally stripped completely, laying on the massage table. I don’t take lightly what my clients trust me with, so I make it a point to really talk to them. I block out 30 minutes between each appointment to give us time to address any questions they have, show them stretches, and offer things I wouldn’t normally have time to offer. I’ve worked for larger massage spas, and I really wanted to get away from the in-and-out, time-slot, mechanical feel that I got from that environment. I wanted something that was more personal.” Through her relationships, she’s noticed a common thread, and

that’s the importance of services like massage therapy when it comes to self-care, particularly in the African American community. What she’s noticed is that as a culture, we don’t take the time for such “luxuries,” but we have generational trauma and mental illnesses that must be addressed. Instead, we pile them on as time passes, never prioritizing self-care. But our joints and muscles suffer from the wear and tear we put on our bodies day-in and day-out, and there aren’t too many Black massage therapists who understand the cultural need for the stress relief. “Not only do we need massage therapy to heal from generational wounds that we don’t acknowledge,” she says, “but it helps our bodies heal naturally in a time where we have to rely on so many medications.” In fact, Washington is working on becoming medically certified so that she can be paid through insurance companies. There’s certainly a need for it in our communities, and she’s looking to fill it. In the meantime, she encourages clients who take daily medication for depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc. to see her as often as

their budget allows. “If you can afford to get a massage regularly, shoot for every two weeks,” she advises. “Think about how much your body and mind go through in a week span. With family issues and working corporate jobs, we have constant pressure weighing on us every day. Massage therapy is holistic healing, so instead of relying on medication to alleviate life’s stressors, give it a try to see its effects.” Through various modalities such as deep tissue and prenatal massages, and reflexology of the feet, Washington gives all of herself to provide an even amazing experience. She also offers children’s massage, something she believes helps introduce them to good touch versus bad touch. “I’ve massaged children as young as eight years old,” she explains. “Many children, especially those who may have been abused, identify all touch with bad touch, but I introduce a safe, healing touch that brings peace and relief.” Just like season changing, massage therapy is about so much more than surface-level stimulants. Sure, blooming flowers are nice, just as nice as a massage so relaxing that we drift to sleep. But we must consider what’s happening below the surface. Massage therapy reduces inflammation and relieves joint pain associated with arthritis. It stimulates blood flow, boosts the immune system, and releases endorphins. Pay close attention to your hormone levels, and remain open to the power of physical touch in your self-care routine. “If you’re open to it, you’ll feel a physical and emotional release,” Washington explains. “You’ll let go of tension and pressure and stress that you never realized you were holding onto. At the end of the day, we all need touch; it’s necessary to live a fruitful life.”

Photos: Janna M. Hall

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7


SAVOR

Family Features Courtesy National Pork Board

Elevate Your Easter Feast with Sweet, Simple Ham For many, it’s not Easter without the classic ham centerpiece. This year, add a flavorful twist to everyone’s favorite holiday main dish with a glaze, chutney or sauce. Ham pairs well with many flavors, making it easy to create a unique dish every time. From sweet to savory and oh-so succulent, these ham combinations can bring easy elegance and flavor to the table. Serve a decadent ham recipe to ensure your Easter feast is as memorable as it is delicious with a recipe like this Ham with

Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze. With this recipe, the traditional ham is now elevated with fresh spring flavors and a crowd-pleasing glaze. Served with bright, seasonal asparagus, this dish brings together unexpected flavors creating a soon-to-be family favorite. For more Easter inspiration and ways to transform more or leftover ham into tasty baguettes, crepes, quesadillas and more, visit www. porkbeinspired.com.

Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze Servings: 15

1 6 1 1

7- to 8-pound spiral-sliced smoked ham, bone-in tablespoons fennel seeds cup honey cup Dijon-style mustard

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to coarsely crush the fennel seeds. Set aside 1 tablespoon, then transfer the remaining fennel to a medium bowl and add the honey, mustard, and pepper. Set 1 1/2 cups of the mixture aside. Place the ham flat side down in a large shallow roasting pan and brush with about 1/2 of the remaining honey-mustard mixture. Roast the ham, basting with the same honey-mustard mixture and pan juices every 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F, 15 to 18 minutes per pound (loosely 8

Ginter Park Elementary School Principal Awarded 2016-2017 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership

1 3 2 1

tablespoon pepper pounds asparagus, trimmed tablespoons olive oil teaspoon salt

cover with foil if ham gets too browned). Remove the ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, add a rack to the upper third of the oven and increase the temperature to 400 degrees F. Arrange the asparagus on two large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and reserved fennel seeds, and bake until tender, about 15 minutes. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or a platter. Serve the asparagus and the reserved honey-mustard mixture on the side.

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

Pictured l to r: Indira Williams – Principal, Patrick Sapini- School Board Vice Chair, Dawn Page – School Board Chair, Dr. Dana Bedden - Superintendent

Indira Williams, principal of Ginter Park Elementary School, received the 20162017 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. She was recently recognized during a school board meeting. The award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their jobs to create an exceptional educational environment. Nominees must demonstrate qualities such as leadership, exemplifying commitment while inspiring their students and advocating for their school. The award recipient receives a $7,500 cash grant and an additional $7,500 for school projects chosen by the principal. “I am both honored and humbled to have been chosen as a recipient of the R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Leadership,” said Williams. “As a leader I believe that it is my fundamental duty to provide students with every opportunity to realize success

through a multitude of experiences, most pragmatic in nature. This award will open the door for student opportunities to utilize science, math and reading along with their creativity and critical thinking skills to develop essential problem solving abilities.” Williams joined Richmond Public Schools in 1989. She has served as a classroom teacher and Title I mathematics teacher at J. L. Francis Elementary School, as an assistant principal at Miles Jerome Jones Elementary School, and principal at Summer Hill Elementary School prior to becoming principal of Ginter Park Elementary School. The Community Foundation presents the award to four principals annually – one each from the school systems in the city of Richmond, as well as Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties. For more details, visit www.tcfrichmond.org/.

Health News from page 3

improve your health by cutting back or quitting. • Limit the amount of alcohol you keep at home. Here are some strategies to help you cut back or • Avoid places where people drink a lot. stop drinking: • Limit your drinking to no more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men. • Keep track of how much you drink. • Choose a day each week when you will not drink. • Don’t drink when you are upset.

• Make a list of reasons not to drink. Education and awareness are important so that people can make healthy decisions about drinking. *Statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com


The Deal

Practical Financial Planning for Parents-to-Be

Plan for the worst-case scenario. As a parent, you’re responsible for the wellbeing of your child. Now may be the time to prepare or revise a will and consider appointing a guardian. Also, if you don’t have life insurance, this is a good time to start shopping for a policy. If something happens to you, life insurance can help provide financial support for your child in the coming years.

Planning for a baby is exciting and sometimes a little frightening for expectant parents, especially first-time parents. The months will fly by and soon you’ll be at home embarking on an adventure along with the newest member of your family. Welcome to the excitement, exhaustion, fascination, bewilderment and love that is parenthood. Along with the joy and fulfillment that a new baby brings, you’ll have new financial responsibilities. Some costs are unavoidable, while others may largely depend on your discretion. Sticking to a financial plan could help you provide wonderful opportunities and experiences for your child while keeping your family’s costs under control. Preparing for the cost of birth. Paying down debt, creating a new budget, building an emergency fund, setting up automated personal finance software and reviewing the beneficiaries on your accounts could all be on your prebirth checklist. You might not have the time or energy for these tasks once you’re a parent. You’ll also want to review your health insurance policy and get a clear understanding of your coverage during prenatal care, labor and delivery. Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Medicaid plans always cover pregnancy and birth, but copays, coinsurance, deductibles and maximum out-ofpocket amounts can vary. You might not be covered at all if you have a grandfathered plan. You can change to a new Marketplace plan, and add your child, after the birth as you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Saving money during the first few years. As you adjust to life as a new parent — sleepless nights, bath times and diapers galore — you’ll likely be tempted by a wide range of childcare products. Some are necessary, but there are many ways to save on those everyday infant purchases. Ask at the hospital, research online and check with pediatricians for free childcare samples. They may not last long, but having a stockpile of various sample-size products can come in handy. Also, ask about a free breast

By Nathaniel Sillin

pump, which you may have a right to with an ACA healthcare plan. Consumables, such as formula, diapers and wipes, can be bought in bulk at warehouse stores or shipped to you via a subscription from an online retailer. Either option could provide long-term savings compared to buying as you go. Discuss childcare options. Some families need the income from two working parents, others can choose to stay at their job or become a full-time parent. Weighing the pros and cons of leaving work can be difficult as you’ll want to consider a variety of ancillary costs and benefits. In the end, the decision may not be entirely financial. You could value extra parentchild time over a second income, even if it means living with a tighter budget. But even if you’re unsure of daycare, you may want to sign-up for local centers’ waitlists now because it can take years to get a spot.

Whole or permanent life insurance policies will cover you for as long as you pay your premium while term life insurance covers you for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years. Premiums on term policies may be lower than on whole life insurance, and this could be the better option if you’re only looking for coverage while you support your child. Bottom line: A new child will bring great joy to your family, and when wants or needs arise, you will want your finances to be in order. Whether you’re early in the planning process or already expecting, it’s never too early to prepare for the cost of raising a child. After all, a new addition to your family is the best gift and the start of an amazing adventure. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney

Let’s talk about growing your business.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

9


Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Jonae Crump has always loved working with children. She enjoys being a reliable source for children. One way she hopes to combine her passion while also helping underprivileged children with mental disabilities prosper, is as a pediatric psychologist. “Adults pave the way for children, but some children are still misguided, or not able to find their path,” Jonae stated in an essay. One experience that reinforced this passion was when she shadowed a doctor at the VCU Medical Center through the Health Sciences Academy. The doctor she shadowed was a black pediatric psychologist who was passionate about her job and taught Jonae a lot. The doctor was a great example that showed Jonae, if “she’s doing it, that means I can do it.”

Jonae Crump

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.69 College(s) of Interest: University of Maryland at College Park Major Community Service: Environmental Club, Democratic Party of Virginia, Virginia State Parks, etc. Strong Interests: Pediatric psychology Favorite Activities: Working with Art 180, poetry, dancing, singing, etc.

continues to challenge me,” Jonae said. She hopes to one day use art to better assist the youth she works with.

Jonae is involved in many other extracurricular activities. These include the National Honor Society, Podium, Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, the Drama Club and many other organizations. With all of these activities, Jonae still works to maintain a 4.69 GPA. Since she was little, Jonae’s dad told her she would get straight A’s, and starting in elementary school, she in fact, got good grades. She credits both her parents for constantly pushing her to do well in school. “An A has always been the goal,” Jonae said. “It makes me feel good because I’m a good student.” Because her parents have always pushed her to do her best, Jonae said they are some of her ™ biggest inspirations. They always keep her going, ek of the We growing and trying her best.

Scholar0

Jonae already gets experience working with children. Along with babysitting, she participated in the 2016 Virginia Cyber Camp. With the camp, Jonae worked with middle school-aged children helping them with activities such as robot building and computer programming. “Those kids inspired me to be better,” Jonae said. “I know that when I was a kid, I had a very good support system, but a lot of kids don’t, so I really want to help them improve.” Along with this program, Jonae has worked to give back through a variety of programs. This includes the Environmental Club where she helped build a bridge for local residents.

Jonae has volunteered with Art 180. Being a part of Art 180, where she is a part of the teen leadership council, is one of her favorite things to do outside of school. Jonae likes most things that have to do with art, especially poetry. She first became interested in poetry by watching Youtube videos, but it became a source of expression for her. Art 180 has helped her become more expressive, well-spoken and creative in her poetry. “Poetry has always been there for me, yet it

Another main goal she has is to open her own non-profit counseling firm. Jonae’s goal in life is to not only be successful so she can support herself and family, but she also wants to be in a position where she can give back to other people in the community. Before then, she will work toward getting her medical degree. Her top choice for college is the University of Maryland at College Park. The school attracted her because of its well-known psychology program, the campus and the student body. Other choices she is considering are Hampton University and Howard University. Besides the fact that she is motivated to reach her dreams, Jonae wants the community to know that she is still looking for financial support in her pursuit to accomplish her dreams of becoming a pediatric psychologist and opening up her own counseling firm.

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply! 10

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com


Classifieds

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

BUSINESS MANAGER Richmond, Virginia

ASSOCIATE BUSINESS MANAGER Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced sales and marketing professional to successfully promote Virginia to targeted industry executives and site selection consultants as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is seeking an Associate Business Manager to provide professional services to the Business Investment team to successfully locate economic development projects in Virginia and expand existing businesses in the Commonwealth.

The Business Manager will support the development and implementation of VEDP’s business investment strategy, and provide project management on economic development projects considering Virginia. This position will work with interested company executives, and local and regional economic developers to successfully locate new business operations to Virginia. The Business Manager will support VEDP’s lead generation programs by conducting targeted marketing outreach to prospective companies, site selection consultants and commercial real estate brokers.

The Associate Business Manager will support VEDP’s lead generation programs to prospective companies, site selection consultants and commercial real estate brokers. The position will support the development of industry initiatives that generate new inquiries and prospects for the Business Investment division. The position will support project management by providing effective and prompt responses to prospect and staff inquiries; planning and participating in community visits; participating in, and assisting with, project calls, and meetings. The Associate Business Manager will assist with preparing memos, economic development proposals and marketing presentations, and is expected to maintain strong relationships with VEDP’s economic development partners, clients, and other stakeholders.

Salary minimum: $65,000. All candidates must apply through our website www.yesvirginia.org/AboutUs/Employment. Application deadline: Open until filled.

Hiring range: $45,000 to $55,000. All candidates must apply through our website www.yesvirginia.org/AboutUs/Employment. Application deadline: Open until filled.

GIS TECHNICIAN Richmond, Virginia The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is actively recruiting a GIS Technician to join the Research Division’s GIS Team. VEDP is a marketing oriented agency; as such, the maps and other deliverables produced are often used in promotional materials and must compellingly tell the intended story to the viewer. The key responsibility of this position is to create cartographic products for internal and external clients. To that end, this position will also research and maintain data, digitize, geocode, and perform network and other spatial and logistical analyses. Secondary responsibilities include maintaining a small suite of internal reference maps and creating data visualizations for projects or marketing materials. At least 1-3 years of demonstrated experience in the field of GIS and a Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Cartography, Geography, Information Systems, Urban Studies, or another related field preferred. Salary minimum: $36,500. All candidates must apply through our website www.yesvirginia.org/AboutUs/Employment. An example of past work must be emailed to vedphr@ yesvirginia.org. upon submission of your application. If selected for an interview, a portfolio of past work will be required. Application deadline: April 14, 2017. EOE/M/F/V/D

FUNdraising from page 2

planning activities that assess and plan for the organization’s future. • Inquire whether there is a director’s and officer’s liability policy. • Review board and committee minutes to ensure proper recording. • Sign a conflict of interest statement at the start of each year. It is also important that the board as a whole fulfull their responsibilities. This collective responsibility is fulfilled through engagement. Examples of this include: www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

• Hold regular board and committee meetings. • Encourage open discussion. • Pursue the mission and the organization’s best interests with determination. • Putting a conflict of interest policy in place, and ensuring it is reviewed annually. • Responsibility to ensure the nonprofit: • Operates in a fiscally sound manner. • Has mechanisms in place to keep it fiscally sound. • Is properly using any restricted funds it may have.

Here’s the good news and the bad news: You have to show up for board meetings. Having your name on a board list is not enough. And showing up is not enough. You have to be engaged. At times this can mean asking difficult questions. Don’t just “go along.” You have a fiduciary responsibility to those your organization serves. We know you care – that’s why you’re on the board. The next step is to ensure you – and your fellow board members – exercise care. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727. Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

11


fast, fresh and easy

eat green

61 RECIPES TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON

MONEY-SAVING OFFERS IN EVERY ISSUE

YOUR SOLUTION TO EVERYDAY EATING

RECIPES, COOKING VIDEOS, MONEY-SAVING TIPS & MUCH MORE

visit MartinsFoods.com/savory

12

Urban Views Weekly | April 5, 2017

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.